| Unit name | Independent Study: Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THTR30018 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Eleanor Rycroft |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
THTR10002 Production for Design and Performance or DRAM10028 Production Skills for Performance 1; Performance Forms and Analysis; Performance Histories or Politics of Performance. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Theatre |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit will provide a structured and supervised opportunity for final-year students to propose and pursue an independent research project, written on an agreed topic of interest within the areas of theatre and performance studies. Students work with a supervisor to identify research questions or concerns, to determine appropriate research methods, formulate their argument and structure a dissertation. It offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their command of academic research and writing skills on a large-scale project, and to prepare for postgraduate study
On successful completion of this unit students will be able:
(1) to formulate appropriate research questions and concerns, to focus a written enquiry of their choosing;
(2) to determine appropriate methodologies and resources for exploring these questions;
(3) to carry out sustained independent research and develop lines of inquiry, drawing on a wide range of sources and applying conceptual/theoretical frameworks in an advanced way;
(4) to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of a range of primary and secondary sources relevant to the topic of research;
(5) to gather, organise and use information in an extended argument, articulate and structure points effectively in a longer written form, supporting ideas with appropriate referencing;
(6) to apply with confidence and competence a range of theoretical ideas, and have developed a critical approach towards them;
(7) to communicate complex critical-theoretical thinking fluently, and present scholarly writing in an appropriate format, using consistent academic references.
(8) demonstrate their command of academic research and writing skills on a large-scale project.
8 x 1-hour meetings with academic supervisor (initially in small tutorial groups, which address methodologies and formulating questions, then individually). Tuition will be given by a relevant member of staff.
8 x 2 hour Professional Practice sessions to prepare students for post-University work
2 x 6 hour Writing Retreats
10,000-word dissertation, excluding footnotes and bibliography. (100%) ILO 1-8
This should include a 300-word Abstract, which outlines the research questions, concerns and methodology, and summarises the dissertation.
Reading and references will be provided individually according to the agreed project.
